Adventure Photography Tips & Tricks – Using Llamas to Carry Your Gear

by phoenixgenesis ·
Published August 9, 2014
· Updated August 15, 2014

Steve Drury Sr. and I love to go hiking and mountaineering. I became president of my rock climbing class at Santa Monica College and helped to belay kids at the Rockreaction climbing gym. I also am passionate about my photography and cinematography. Climbing Mount Baldy in the middle of winter is an exhausting task in and of itself and made moreso by carrying heavy film and photography gear and equipment. What better way to shoulder the burden by using llamas to carry your essential supplies. Remember, even in cold weather, you need to carry plenty of fresh water to stay hydrated or the proper equipment to boil snow to make water. Also, you need food, gloves, a first aid kit, trekking poles, ice axe, etc.

The list can be quite large depending on the remote mountain terrain and the length of your expedition. I know how much Steve and I carried when we did the 4 Day Devil’s Backbone Expedition I organized ten years or so ago. Although your dog can carry his own food and water and favorite toy, you should not use him to carry any of your gear. So, the llama is perfect for this type of trip into the wild. Video recorded by me, phoenixgenesis, on December 16, 2007 with commentary by Steve Drury at Mount Baldy on the Ice House Trail in southern California.

Now that I think about it, horses or mules could work out nicely as well. But I think llamas have a more adventure feel to them. What do you prefer? Leave your comments below. They are always appreciated. I have many amazing photos and videos from all my backcountry adventures. I will try to sift through the last 7 years since I’ve gone digital and slowly upload it on our official website and all our social media outlets. (c) 2007-2014 Phoenix Genesis/ MBS LP. All rights reserved.

– Des Manttari, Editor-in-Chief, Phoenix Genesis

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